Minister says trust a 'good example for others' in NHS

THE model that has seen a Northern NHS Trust top league tables and lead the way when it comes to waiting times is a “good example” for other NHS bosses, a health minister has said.

- SAM VOLPE

Karin Smyth said that Northumbria Healthcare's success as the top-performing general hospital trust in league tables published last week could be a guide for other NHS trusts.

The Department for Health and Social Care has published the revived league tables as part of a drive to increase accessibility and accountability in the NHS.

Three of five NHS trusts across Tyne and Wear were ranked in the top 30 overall, as previously reported, with Northumbria Healthcare ninth. The trust runs hospitals across North Tyneside and Northumberland.

But other trusts such as Gateshead Health, placing 83rd, struggled due to measures that dictate that trusts running financial deficits cannot be placed above halfway.